Former Hibs star replaces ex Easter Road ace as boss of SPFL club as Leith coach role helps earn gaffer chance
The former defender also played for Rangers, Scotland and Norwich City.
A former Hibs star has been named manager of an SPFL club - taking over from another ex-Hibee.
Steven Whittaker is going solo after time as assistant to Scott Brown at Ayr United and Fleetwood Town, becoming manager of League Two club Stirling Albion. He takes over from former Hibs full-back Alan Maybury who left towards the end of an underwhelming season in the fourth tier of the SPFL at Forthbank.
Whittaker broke through at Hibs before featuring for Rangers, the Scottish national team and Norwich City before returning to Leith in 2017 for a second stint. He departed in 2020 for Dunfermline Athletic, where he retired, but the ex-right-back did build coaching experience in the Hibs academy. That has aided in getting his first senior opportunity as a leading man.
Who is the Stirling Albion manager?
Chairman Fraser McIntyre said of the Stirling Albion appointment: “We are delighted to appoint Steven Whittaker as our new manager. Steven brings a wealth of experience from the highest level of the game, along with a strong understanding of Scottish football. We believe he is the right person to lead the club forward both on and off the pitch.”
On what fans can expect, the former Hibs and Rangers star said: “Building a strong connection with the supporters is hugely important to me. The fans are the heart of any football club, and at Stirling Albion F.C you can already see the passion and pride they have for the team. My job is to give them a side they can believe in — one that works hard, competes every week and represents the club properly. If we can bring everyone together, that can be a massive strength for us moving forward.”
A club statement reads: The club is delighted to welcome Steven Whittaker to Forthbank Stadium as as our new first team manager. A highly respected figure within Scottish football, Whittaker brings with him a wealth of experience from both his playing and coaching career.
Why have Stirling Albion appointed Steven Whittaker as manager?
“As a player, he enjoyed a successful spell at the highest level of the game, representing clubs including Hibernian and Rangers while also earning 31 international caps for the Scottish National Team. Following his retirement from playing, Steven has continued to develop his coaching career at Fleetwood Town and most recently Ayr United as assistant manager to Scott Brown. He also spent time in the Scotland U21s set up and Assistant Manager at Hibernian U17s.
“Further updates regarding Steven’s backroom team and pre-season preparations will be announced in due course. Everyone at Stirling Albion F.C would like to warmly welcome Steven to the club and wish him every success in his new role.”